What's happening: Ukraine clashes, Syria civil war, Venezuela leader

Feb. 19, 2014
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A man shouts slogans during the march that follows Leopoldo Lopez, an ardent opponent of Venezuela's socialist government facing an arrest warrant after President Nicolas Maduro ordered his arrest on charges of homicide and inciting violence, in Caracas, on Feb. 18, 2014. / Leo Ramirez, AFP/Getty Images

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez urged Venezuelans to fight government repression before he turned himself in to police. Lopez has accused President Nicolas Maduro of bankrupting the country with failed state policies and repressing the rights of citizens.

As peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition falter, U.S. officials say al-Qaida-linked militants are squeezing moderates out of the insurgency and carving out havens for potential terrorist plots against the United States, the Associated Press reports.

The administration is looking at newer, more far-reaching options, including drone strikes on extremists and more forceful action against Syrian President Bashar Assad, who President Obama told to leave power 30 months ago.

Nearly 2.5 million Syrian refugees have fled their home, according to the United Nations.